Posted on December 5, 2024 by
Clarissa Morales is graduating with a bachelor's degree in public health. She hopes to create programs or be a part of projects that address or can close the gap in health disparities.
What made you decide to attend UTSA?
I wanted to be close to home but I still wanted that independence of going into adulthood, kind of like a home away from home
What made you choose your major?
I was originally a biology major and getting my certification in education but I realized that really wasn't my calling, and so I talked to my advisor and what I was interested in and passionate about and she suggested public health, which I didn't even know about.
What has been your favorite moment/experience at UTSA?
Going to my first "public health" class. I was losing motivation to continue school and was wondering if I was just wasting time, but as soon as we started the classes, like Theories and Health Behavior and Intro to Comm & Public Health I realized that this is what I want to do. I want to help people, even if it's not in the frontline, the idea of helping behind the scenes is amazing.
How did your degree shape your future goals?
Like everyone in this major, I'm sure our main goal is to help the community. I want to be able to create programs or be apart of projects that address or can close the gap in health disparities.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in college?
It may not seem like a big deal to others, but coming back after some issues and getting my degree if I'm being honest.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your college years, and how did you overcome it?
My first year being away from my family and was the hardest. Not being able to be there when they needed me killed me inside, and it came to a point where I was wondering if I should transfer, but after a discussion with my parents I decided to stay.
If you could give advice to incoming students, what would it be?
It's okay to give yourself time. Don't be too hard on yourself, college is all about finding who you are and what your passionate about. It's okay to be selfish, and talk to your professors! I know everyone says this but it's true. They are the most helpful when it comes to navigating what your future.
What are your post-graduation plans, if any?
I'm applying to a program called the "Future Public Health Leaders Program". There is still so much in the public health field I want to do and I hope, if I get accepted to the program, I hope it will allow me to narrow down what I want to do career wise.
If your years at UTSA had a theme song, what would it be?
New Romantics- Taylor Swift or Sweet Disposition-The Temper Trap either of those.
What’s your go-to comfort food for stressful study sessions?
It was combo spicy pad thai . There is a food truck near UTSA and they had the BEST pad thai I've ever had.
What surprised you the most about college life?
Learning about different cultures and views from your classmates. That was my favorite part, I wanted ro know what people were thinking and their thought process to that view.
How do you want to use your degree to make a difference in your community or field?
I want to be able to develop and implement programs to help children's because they are our future, but also I want to be able to advocate to those who don't have a voice. I really just want to make a difference in the community.
If you had to sum up your college experience in three words, what would they be?
Keep pushing forward
What’s one piece of advice that you received during college that you’ll carry with you?
Make sure to have fun and make the best of your time in school, because after this you really become an adult.
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